Ladies and gentlemen, this is (not) me…

Oral Glucose Challenge Test and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.  These are really extreme and wicked test to be administered to a human being, more of to a pregnant woman.

We learned from our OB-GYN that a pregnant woman is prone to get diabetes (high blood sugar).  This is due to the huge hormonal changes they are experiencing coupled with the increase blood flow that they need to provide the baby.  (If this is wrong, hey I’m no MD)

The first test, OGCT.  We went to a hospital near our home for Ia to take the test.  She was asked to drink a bottle of orange liquid.  Ia told me that it was so sweet, it sucks!  She was close to throwing up, but she had to keep it in for at least an hour.  They took blood from her after an hour. 

We had to come back 3 days after to get the result.  She got 9.34 mmol/L.  Man, that’s too high.  Our OB-GYN said it should be around the 6 mmol/L area.  Damn those sweet pears!  She had no choice but to prepare for her second test - the dreaded OGTT.

We prepared for it for a week.  No starchy food, very limited rice, sugar-free bread and cookies, and no fruits.

Last Sunday, we went to a different clinic instead.  We just want a different set of people administering the tests.  Now this test is not for the weak of heart.  Ia had to fast for at least an hour - no food and water.  I decided to fast with her.

Then they took their first blood sample - left arm.  She drank the same orange liquid, but this time she said this was better than the last one.  But it still made her want to throw up.  We decided to let the hour pass by walking thru the mall (a clinic in a mall, how convenient).

Second hour, second needle, right arm this time.  Ia said she was too weak to walk around, so we decided to sit at the waiting area.  Good thing Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer was on.  That kept me busy and Ia asleep.

Third hour, another needle, back to the left arm.  This time I was starting to feel hunger and I’m definitely sure Ia too.  She read her pregnancy book, and I took a nap.  Then it was time.

Last hour, last needle, right arm.  Ia said that this last one hurt the most.  But she made it thru.  I was so proud of her.  She was so strong.  I loved her more.  She helped herself with 4 pieces of steamed pork dumplings, while I content myself with 2 waffles.

4 hours, 4 needles, 1 test.  This is really an extreme test.  This should be considered as a violation to human rights (just kidding)!.

This morning we got the result.  We forwarded the result to our OB-GYN and she said all were normal.  Thank You, Almighty One!  But it doesn’t end here.  Ia still continues to monitor her diet.  And I will continue to do the laundry. 

It’s been a week since Ia’s complications. She had her follow-up checkup at Patient’s First. We are happy to tell her OB-GYN that there were no more bleeding and her bowel movement is back to normal.

But just to make sure, she advised us to have another ultrasound just to check her placenta. I remembered her last ultrasoound 2 weeks ago when we attempted to find out if our baby’s a he or she. But our little angel did not cooperate then.

The nurse carefully checked her placenta thru that usual black and white screen. Everything looks fine. What great news to hear. But then, there was a bonus. The nurse continued to make circular moves on Ia’s tummy trying to find something. And then the screen paused and the nurse asked me "What do you think?" while pointing to a little wiggly thing in the monitor. I said in Filipino (I just realized how very tacky it was), "Uy, may lawit!" Hahaha!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are having a baby boy!!!